Palestine (95th) ranked only slightly lower than China (91st).
Going to be a very interesting squad selection.
Split squad? ie a number of young mostly ALM guys for the 2 games in China only?
Only 13 days until first match against Palestine 24th Sept, so squad naming early next week?
https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/170128?newsfeedId=1275608
Head coach Darren Bazeley believes the four games represent a nice, varied blend of different fixtures for the squad as they look to play their first matches since the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“This window could see us face teams ranked from the 90s right up to 17th in the world, so it’s a really good mix of challenges, which is great for the squad to have these different opportunities, straight after the World Cup.
“Having four games gives us a great chance to give good game time and opportunities to a wide range of players, including players from our recent World Cup squad, some players from our wider squad who missed out on that selection, and an opportunity to see some of our younger players integrate into the environment.
“These should be four interesting games for us, so I’m really looking forward to getting this squad together, getting back out on the pitch, and giving the players the opportunity to push themselves forward and show their abilities.”
Going to be a very interesting squad selection.
Split squad? ie a number of young mostly ALM guys for the 2 games in China only?
Only 13 days until first match against Palestine 24th Sept, so squad naming early next week?
https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/170128?newsfeedId=1275608
Head coach Darren Bazeley believes the four games represent a nice, varied blend of different fixtures for the squad as they look to play their first matches since the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“This window could see us face teams ranked from the 90s right up to 17th in the world, so it’s a really good mix of challenges, which is great for the squad to have these different opportunities, straight after the World Cup.
“Having four games gives us a great chance to give good game time and opportunities to a wide range of players, including players from our recent World Cup squad, some players from our wider squad who missed out on that selection, and an opportunity to see some of our younger players integrate into the environment.
“These should be four interesting games for us, so I’m really looking forward to getting this squad together, getting back out on the pitch, and giving the players the opportunity to push themselves forward and show their abilities.”